COMMUTERS using Walthamstow Central Tube station are suffering regular travel misery because new, multi-million pound trains do not work properly.
The new fleet is being phased in as part of a £900 million upgrade of the Victoria Line.
But Transport for London (TfL) has admitted that there have been teething problems with the new trains, including “over-sensitive” door sensors, which have caused regular delays for a number of months.
Other problems which have left travellers stuck in sweltering trains for up to an hour recently include problems with signals which are also being upgraded.
A commuter who was trapped on the Tube for 40 minutes twice in one week says transport bosses are “taking liberties” with long-suffering Victoria Line users.
Kevin Ward, 52, was on his way to work from Walthamstow Central on Thursday, July 15, and again last Thursday (July 21) when he was stuck for long periods at each station, which meant he missed important work meetings.
Mr Ward, of Netley Road, said: “After the amount of investment and sacrifices we have had to go through the services should be better. But it has been happening for years.
This is not acceptable with the amount of technology that is about these days.
”A spokeswoman for TfL apologised for the repeated delays.
She said: “There have been some technical issues with the new trains but we are working hard to rectify these initial faults.
“Once the upgrade is finished in 2012 the new track and signalling will mean faster, smoother and more reliable journeys for our customers.
“During any changeover to new trains and/or signalling systems, the reliability will be expected to grow over time. What matters is the rate of reliability growth as the new trains are used more and more.”
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